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Patient Safety Alert – Supporting the introduction of the National Safety Standards for Invasive Procedures

A Patient Safety Alert has been issued by NHS England to launch an NHS-wide programme of work based around the National Standards for Invasive Procedures (NatSSIPs) that were published on 7 September 2015.

The alert asks NHS providers to review current clinical practice and ensure the NatSSIPs are embedded into local processes by developing their own local safety standards for invasive procedures (LocSSIPs) in collaboration with staff, patients and the public.

The aim of the NatSSIPs is to reduce the number of patient safety incidents related to invasive procedures in which surgical Never Events could occur. They set out the minimum standards considered necessary for the delivery of safe care during invasive procedures as well as underpinning aspects of education and training.

The NatSSIPs have been set and endorsed by all relevant professional bodies, including the royal colleges, the Care Quality Commission, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the General Medical Council, Monitor, the Trust Development Agency, and Health Education England.

Dr Mike Durkin, NHS England Director of Patient Safety, said: “Through this alert providers are asked to embed the NatSSIPs into their own local safety standards to support staff in providing the very best care and treatment for their patients.

“This is the first time national safety standards have been set and endorsed by all relevant professional bodies. The engagement and support of these organisations provides the leadership to ensure the standards will be wholeheartedly embraced across the NHS.”